Why Plaza Mayor Should Be In Your List of Places to Visit?
Are you wondering where to start playing tourist in the big city of Madrid? Why don’t you begin your day going around Plaza Mayor? This plaza is said to be the starting point for any visit to this historical city.
Plaza Mayor, which means “oldest square“, was built during the Habsburg period. It is only a few blocks away from Puerta del Sol, which is another famous plaza in Madrid. Once you are in the plaza, you will see the many three-story residential buildings with balconies facing it.
What is the history of Plaza Mayor?
The plaza was known in the past as Plaza del Arrabal. It was the meeting place of various traders in Madrid especially those coming from larger cities like Toledo. Later, King Felipe II moved his government seat from Toledo to Madrid. This resulted in the construction of Plaza Mayor.
Between the periods 1631 and 1790, three big fires devastated the Plaza. The present Plaza Mayor is a restoration of the original structure with some reduction to structures.
Presently, there are only some major changes in the main square. First, putting the statue of Felipe III in the center of the square. Second, constructing the underground car park and the closure of the plaza to traffic. Lastly, decorating the “Casa de la Panaderia” with mythical angels and saints.
What can be seen in Plaza Mayor?
You will find that the Plaza Mayor is a center of the things to do Madrid. It usually hosts various events such as markets, and soccer games.
Would you prefer to go shopping in Madrid? The plaza boasts of old and traditional shops. After shopping, you might want to sit in a café and enjoy observing local people and tourists alike strolling around the plaza.
There are also Tapas bars and restaurant if you want to eat a hearty meal. Try to look for “Sabrino de Botin”. This is the oldest restaurant as it was founded in 1725.
The restaurants in Plaza Mayor charge tourist prices for their food. If you are traveling in a budget, the plaza is not a recommended place for eating local delicacies.
There are also souvenir shops in Plaza Mayor where you can buy local items to take home. Would you like to have your portraits painted? There are portrait painters scattered all over the place.
Don’t miss visiting the historical Plaza Mayor in your visit to Madrid. This is the place where you will see a merging of the past and the present.
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